Windows 11 includes advanced security features designed to protect the system from malicious code and unauthorized kernel-level access. One of these features is Memory Integrity, which is part of Core Isolation within Windows Security. Memory Integrity uses hardware virtualization to isolate critical system processes and prevent malicious drivers or code from running in protected memory.
However, when trying to enable Memory Integrity, some users may encounter an error stating “Incompatible driver”. This message appears when Windows detects drivers that do not meet the security requirements needed for virtualization-based protection. These outdated or incompatible drivers prevent the feature from being enabled.
To enable Memory Integrity successfully, you must identify and remove or update the problematic drivers. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to fix the “Incompatible driver” error and enable Memory Integrity in Windows 11.
How to Fix “Incompatible Driver” and Enable Memory Integrity in Windows 11
Follow the methods below to resolve the driver conflict and activate Memory Integrity.
1. Identify the Incompatible Driver
The first step is to determine which driver is causing the issue.
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Click Privacy & security in the left sidebar.
- Select Windows Security.
- Click Device security.
- Under Core isolation, click Core isolation details.
- Look for the Memory integrity section.
- If incompatible drivers are detected, Windows will list their names.
- Note the driver file name displayed in the message.
This information helps identify which driver must be updated or removed.
2. Update the Problematic Driver
Updating the driver may resolve the compatibility issue.
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Device Manager.
- Locate the hardware associated with the incompatible driver.
- Right-click the device.
- Select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Install any available updates.
- Restart your computer after the update.
Updated drivers often support Memory Integrity.
3. Uninstall the Incompatible Driver
If no update is available, removing the driver may be necessary.
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate the device associated with the incompatible driver.
- Right-click the device.
- Select Uninstall device.
- Enable Delete the driver software for this device if available.
- Click Uninstall.
- Restart your computer.
After removal, Windows may automatically install a compatible driver.
4. Remove the Driver Using Command Prompt
Some incompatible drivers may not appear clearly in Device Manager.
- Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Enter the following command to list installed drivers:
pnputil /enum-drivers
- Locate the incompatible driver by name.
- Run the following command to remove it:
pnputil /delete-driver oemXX.inf /uninstall /force
- Replace oemXX.inf with the driver file name.
- Restart your computer.
This method removes problematic drivers from the driver store.
5. Enable Memory Integrity
After resolving driver conflicts, you can enable the feature.
- Open Settings using Windows + I.
- Go to Privacy & security.
- Select Windows Security.
- Click Device security.
- Open Core isolation details.
- Turn on Memory integrity.
- Restart your computer when prompted.
Memory Integrity will now be active.
Conclusion
The “Incompatible driver” error occurs when outdated or unsupported drivers prevent Windows 11 from enabling the Memory Integrity security feature. These drivers must be updated or removed to allow the system to use virtualization-based protection.
By identifying the incompatible driver, updating or uninstalling it through Device Manager, removing it using Command Prompt if necessary, and then enabling Memory Integrity in Windows Security, you can successfully activate this important security feature and improve the overall protection of your Windows 11 system.
